Red Sea crisis: US, UK intensify airstrikes targeting Houthis in Yemen
Houthi sites in Yemen on Saturday, according to officials. As reported by Reuters, this marks the latest in a series of military operations against the Iran-backed group, which has been implicated in ongoing attacks on shipping in the region.
According to the report, the United States has been consistently carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis, who hold sway over Yemen's most densely populated areas. The group has justified its attacks on shipping by claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's actions in Gaza.
The strikes have so far failed to halt the Houthis' attacks, which have upset global trade and raised shipping rates. Also Read: Houthi rebel attack sets cargo ship ablaze, forces Israel to intercept another attack near Eilat Moreover, a joint statement from countries that either took part in the strikes or provided support, said the military action was against 18 Houthi targets across eight locations in Yemen including underground weapons and missile storage facilities, air defence systems, radars and a helicopter, Reuters reported.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes were meant “to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia." “We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that they will bear the consequences if they do not stop their illegal attacks, which harm Middle Eastern economies, cause environmental damage and disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries," Austin said. The military strikes received backing from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Read more on livemint.com
